OWENSBORO, Ky. – A new era for Kentucky Wesleyan College football began on Saturday with the debut of first year Head Coach Craig Yeast. The Panthers put up a second half comeback but the heroics fell short, falling to Concordia Michigan by a score of 17-14.
The Cardinals held a 10-0 lead at the half after a first quarter field goal and a late second quarter touchdown. Wesleyan put points on the board less than four minutes into the second half after Jalen Wilson picked off a pass at Wesleyan's own 30-yard line and returned it 70-yards for the pick six. Chris Mangold converted the extra point to put the Panthers within three.
Concordia responded with a touchdown of their own to regain the double digit lead. The Cardinals needed just six plays to storm 65-yards downfield for the score.
The Panther defense stepped up in the final frame, holding Concordia scoreless and forcing a crucial three-and-out midway thru the quarter, giving the Panthers the ball at their own 35-yard line with just under six minutes remaining.
Freshman quarterback Wiley Cain connected with Michael Walker for a 21-yard gain before three straight runs from Corey Johnson Jr. gave the Panthers another first down. A sack and incompletion brought up third and long. Cain threw up a long pass to De'Ondre Boggs in the end zone that went through the arms of the defender and into Boggs' for the Panthers first offensive score of the day.
Another forced three-and-out from the defense gave Wesleyan the ball back at midfield with 2:17 remaining and trailing by three. Peyton Peters drew a pass interference call then tallied a 14-yard catch to put the Panthers in the red zone. However a sack and missed field goal halted Wesleyan's momentum and allowed Concordia to hang on for the win.
Wesleyan's offense recorded 96-yards on their final two drives of the day. Cain threw for 96-yards on 10 completions while Mike McGee recorded nine completions for 67-yards.
Johnson Jr. led the run game with 57-yards on 17 carries while Boggs led receivers with 50-yards on four catches.
Jalen Humphrey, Alijah McGhee and RJ Wilson each recorded nine tackles. Oscar Elliott tallied two sacks while Dalan Cofer tabbed one. Wilson finished with two interceptions while McGhee and Armand Childs led the way with two pass break ups a piece.
The Panthers remain home next weekend, hosting Great Lakes Valley Conference foe Quincy University. Kick off is slated for 1 pm CT on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Independence Bank Field at Steele Stadium.
